Naphthamide neurokinin antagonists for use as medicaments

ABSTRACT

Compounds having the general formula 
                 
 
wherein R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , X 1  and X 2  are as defined in the specification, methods of using such compounds for the treatment of diseases and pharmaceutical composition comprising such compounds.

This is a § 371 application of PCT Application PCT/SE01/00752, filed Apr. 5, 2001, pending, which claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Applications No. 60/232,083 and 60/232,111, both filed April 6, 2000 and the priority of UK applications 0009456.5 and 0009457.3, both filed Apr. 18, 2000.

BACKGROUND

The mammalian neurokinins comprise a class of peptide neurotransmitters which are found in the peripheral and central nervous systems. The three principal neurokinins are Substance P (SP), Neurokinin A (NKA) and Neurokinin B (NKB).

There are also N-terminally extended forms of at least NKA. At least three receptor types are known for the three principal neurokinins. Based upon their relative selectivities favoring the neurokinin agonists SP, NKA and NKB, the receptors are classified as neurokinin 1 (NK₁), neurokinin 2 (NK₂) and neurokinin 3 (NK₃) receptors, respectively.

It is now recognized that anxiety, stress, and depression are interrelated conditions (File SE Pharmacol, Biochem & Behavior 54/1:3-12, 1996). Moreover, these complex emotional states cannot be due simply to defects in a single neurotransmitter although 5-HT has been ascribed a principal role (Graeff et al., Pharmacol, Biochem & Behavior 54/1: 129-141, 1996). Substance P (SP) was one of the first neuropeptides to be identified in mammalian brain and it is now accepted that all three tachykinins are found within the CNS (Iversen L L J Psychopharmacol 3/1: 1-6, 1989), particularly in the striatonigral neurons, hypothalamus and limbic forebrain (ibid). NK₁ and NK₃ receptors have been identified in the brain as well (Beaujouan et al., Neurosci. 18: 857-875, 1986). Controversy has existed regarding the presence of the NK₂ receptor in brain, although recent evidence shows receptor localization in at least the septal region (Steinberg et al., Eur J Neurosci 10/7:2337-45 1998).

Pharmacological evidence supporting a role for either NK₁ or NK₂ receptors in anxiety disorders has been accumulating from assorted animal behavioral tests (for examples, see Table 1). Animal models of depression, however, have been used rarely to define the potential utility of NK receptor antagonists. SP stimulates the turnover of other neurotransmitters involved in depression, i.e., 5-HT in the raphe nucleus, an area thought to be linked to depressive phenomena (Forchetti et al., J. Neurochem. 38: 1336-1341, 1982). When injected centrally to nuclei responsible for control of emotion and stress, SP evokes a hemodynamic pressor response bridging this peptide to stress induced hypertension (Ku et al., Peptides; 1914:677-82, 1998). Moreover, rises in both heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure evoked by physical stress can be blocked in rodents by centrally administered NK₁ receptor antagonists (Culman et al., J Pharmacol Exp Ther 280/1:238-46, 1997).

TABLE 1 Neurokinin receptor antagonist activity in behavioral tests of anxiety/depression. Cpd (Receptor Author type) Behavioral Test Outcome Teixeira et al., NK₁ agonists & Elevated agonists- Eur J Pharmacol FK888 (NK₁) plus- anxiogenic 5;311(1): 7-14, SR48968 (NK₂) maze antagonists- 1996. anxiolytic File Pharm Bio B CGP 49823 (NK₁) Social anxiolytic 58(3): 747-752, interaction 1997. Vassout et al CGP 49823 (NK₁) Social anxiolytic Neuropeptides interaction inactive 26/S1: 38, 1994. test Elevated antidepressant plus-maze (only at Forced swim 30 mg/kg test (depression bid) model) Stratton et al., GR100679 (NK₂) Light-dark box anxiolytic Eur. J. SR48968 (NK₂) Pharmacol. 250: R11- 12, 1993. Walsh et al., GR159897 (NK₂) Light-dark box anxiolytic Psycho- SR48968 (NK₂) Marmoset anxiolytic pharmacolo- human intruder gy 121: 186- 191, 1995.

DESCRIPTION

This invention relates to butanoic acid naphthamide compounds; to pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds; as well as to their uses and processes for their preparation. These compounds antagonize the pharmacological actions of the neurokinin 1 (NK₁) receptor. These compounds are useful whenever such antagonism is desired. Thus, such compounds are of value in the treatment of those diseases in which Substance P is implicated, for example, in the treatment of major depressive disorder, severe anxiety disorders, stress disorders, major depressive disorder with anxiety, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, schizophrenic disorders, psychotic disorders, movement disorders, cognitive disorders, depression and/or anxiety, mania or hypomania, aggressive behaviour, obesity, emesis, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, oedema, allergic rhinitis, inflammation, pain, gastrointestinal-hypermotility, Huntington's disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), hypertension, migraine, bladder hypermotility, or urticaria.

Accordingly, the present invention provides the compounds of the general formula Ia:

The compounds of the present invention may possess a number of chiral centres, for example at —CH(Ph-X¹,X²)—. The present invention covers all isomers, diastereoisomers and mixtures thereof that antagonize NK₁.

The preferred configuration at —CH(Ph-X¹,X²)— is shown in formula (Ib) hereinbelow:

X¹ and X² are independently hydrogen, methyl or halogen. Preferably, X¹ and X² are independently hydrogen or halogen provided that at least one of X¹ or X² is halogen. Most favourably, X¹ and X² are both chloro. In a preferred aspect Ph-X¹,X² is 3,4-dichlorophenyl.

R¹ is —OR⁶, —NR⁶R⁷, —NOC₁₋₆alkyl or —NR⁷NR⁶R⁷. In one embodiment, R¹ is —OR⁶ or —NR⁶R⁷. In another embodiment, R¹ is —OR⁶. In another embodiment R¹ is —NR⁶R⁷.

R² is —OR⁶ or C₁₋₄alkyl. Preferably, R² is —CH₂CH₃ or —OCH₃.

R³ is H, halogen, —OR⁷ or —CN. Preferably, R³ is —CN.

R⁴ is H, C₁₋₆alkyl or —OR⁷.

R⁵ is H or C₁₋₆alkyl. Preferably, R⁵ is H or CH₃.

R⁶ is independently, at each instance, H, C₁₋₆alkyl, R⁷OC₁₋₆alkyl-, R⁷OC(═O)C₁₋₆alkyl-, R⁷R⁷NC(═O)C₁₋₆alkyl-, R⁷R⁷NC₁₋₆alkyINR⁷C(═O)—, R⁸—, R⁸C₁₋₆alkyl- or —(CH₂)_(m)phenyl, wherein the phenyl is substituted by 1, 2 or three substituents selected from C₁₋₆alkylthio, C₁₋₆alkylsulfinyl, C₁₋₆alkylsulfonyl, trifluoromethylthio, trifluoromethylsulfinyl, C₁₋₆alkanesulfonamido, C₁₋₆alkanoyl, C₁₋₆-alkoxy-carbonyl, succinamido, carbamoyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbamoyl, di-C₁₋₆alkylcarbamoyl, C₁₋₆alkoxy-C₁₋₆alkylcarbamoyl, N-methylcarbamoyl, C₁₋₆alkanoylamino, ureido, C₁₋₆ureido, di-C₁₋₆alkylureido, amino, C₁₋₆alkylamino and di-C₁₋₆alkylamino. In another embodiment, R⁶ is independently, at each instance, H, C₁₋₆alkyl, or —(CH₂)_(m)phenyl, wherein the phenyl is substituted by 1, 2 or three substituents selected from C₁₋₆alkylthio, C₁₋₆alkylsulfinyl, C₁₋₆alkylsulfonyl, trifluoromethylthio, trifluoromethylsulfinyl, C₁₋₆alkanesulfonamido, C₁₋₆alkanoyl, C₁₋₆alkoxy-carbonyl, succinamido, carbamoyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbamoyl, di-C₁₋₆alkylcarbamoyl, C₁₋₆alkoxy-C₁₋₆alkylcarbamoyl, N-methylcarbamoyl, C₁₋₆alkanoylamino, ureido, C₁₋₆ureido, di-C₁₋₆alkylureido, amino, C₁₋₆alkylamino and di-C₁₋₆alkylamino. R⁷ is H or C₁₋₆alkyl. In one embodiment, R⁶ and R⁷ together are —(CH²)2—, —(CH₂)₂S(═O)_(m)(CH₂)_(2—, —(CH) ₂)₂N(CO₂R⁷)(CH₂)₂—or —(CH₂)₂NR⁷(CH₂)₂—. R⁸ is a 5- or 6-membered saturated or unsaturated heterocycle containing 1,2 or 3 nitrogen atoms and additionally substituted with 0 or 1 oxo groups. m is 0, 1 or 2.

Another aspect of the invention involves a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula Ia.

Another aspect of the invention involves a method of treating major depressive disorder, severe anxiety disorders, stress disorders, major depressive disorder with anxiety, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, schizophrenic disorders, psychotic disorders, movement disorders, cognitive disorders, depression and/or anxiety, mania or hypomania, aggressive behaviour, obesity, emesis, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, oedema, allergic rhinitis, inflammation, pain, gastrointestinal-hypermotility, Huntington's disease, COPD, hypertension, migraine, bladder hypermotility, or urticaria comprising administering an effective amount of an NK₁ antagonist of formula Ia.

Particular compounds of this invention are provided as the Examples hereinbelow.

C_(y-z)alkyl, unless otherwise specified, means an alkyl chain containing a minimum Y total carbon atoms and a maximum Z total carbon atoms. These alkyl chains may be branched or unbranched, cyclic, acyclic or a combination of cyclic and acyclic. For example, the following substituents would be included in the general description “C₄₋₇alkyl”:

Pharmaceutically-acceptable salts may be prepared from the corresponding acid in conventional manner. Non-pharmaceutically-acceptable salts may be useful as intermediates and as such are another aspect of the present invention.

The term “oxo” means a double bonded oxygen (═O).

Some of the compounds of the present invention are capable of forming salts with various inorganic and organic acids and bases and such salts are also within the scope of this invention. Examples of such acid addition salts include acetate, adipate, ascorbate, benzoate, benzenesulfonate, bisulfate, butyrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, citrate, cyclohexyl sulfamate, ethanesulfonate, fumarate, glutamate, glycolate, hemisulfate, 2-hydroxyethyl-sulfonate, heptanoate, hexanoate, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, hydroxymaleate, lactate, malate, maleate, methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, nitrate, oxalate, pamoate, persulfate, phenylacetate, phosphate, picrate, pivalate, propionate, quinate, salicylate, stearate, succinate, sulfamate, sulfanilate, sulfate, tartrate, tosylate (p-toluenesulfonate), and undecanoate. Base salts include ammonium salts, alkali metal salts such as sodium, lithium and potassium salts, alkaline earth metal salts such as aluminum, calcium and magnesium salts, salts with organic bases such as dicyclohexylamine salts, N-methyl-D-glucamine, and salts with amino acids such as arginine, lysine, ornithine, and so forth. Also, basic nitrogen-containing groups may be quaternized with such agents as: lower alkyl halides, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl halides; dialkyl sulfates like dimethyl, diethyl, dibutyl; diamyl sulfates; long chain halides such as decyl, lauryl, myristyl and stearyl halides; aralkyl halides like benzyl bromide and others. Non-toxic physiologically-acceptable salts are preferred, although other salts are also useful, such as in isolating or purifying the product.

The salts may be formed by conventional means, such as by reacting the free base form of the product with one or more equivalents of the appropriate acid in a solvent or medium in which the salt is insoluble, or in a solvent such as water, which is removed in vacuo or by freeze drying or by exchanging the anions of an existing salt for another anion on a suitable ion-exchange resin.

In order to use a compound of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the therapeutic treatment (including prophylactic treatment) of mammals including humans, it is normally formulated in accordance with standard pharmaceutical practice as a pharmaceutical composition.

Therefore in another aspect the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition which comprises a compound of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may be administered in standard manner for the disease condition that it is desired to treat, for example by oral, topical, parenteral, buccal, nasal, vaginal or rectal adminstration or by inhalation or insufflation. For these purposes the compounds of this invention may be formulated by means known in the art into the form of, for example, tablets, capsules, aqueous or oily solutions, suspensions, emulsions, creams, ointments, gels, nasal sprays, suppositories, finely divided powders or aerosols or nebulisers for inhalation, and for parenteral use (including intravenous, intramuscular or infusion) sterile aqueous or oily solutions or suspensions or sterile emulsions.

In addition to the compounds of the present invention the pharmaceutical composition of this invention may also contain, or be co-administered (simultaneously or sequentially) with, one or more pharmacological agents of value in treating one or more disease conditions referred to herein.

The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention will normally be administered to humans so that, for example, a daily dose of 0.01 to 25 mg/kg body weight (and preferably of 0.1 to 5 mg/kg body weight) is received. This daily dose may be given in divided doses as necessary, the precise amount of the compound received and the route of administration depending on the weight, age and sex of the patient being treated and on the particular disease condition being treated according to principles known in the art.

Typically unit dosage forms will contain about 1 mg to 500 mg of a compound of this invention. For example a tablet or capsule for oral administration may conveniently contain up to 250 mg (and typically 5 to 100 mg) of a compound of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In another example, for administration by inhalation, a compound of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof may be administered in a daily dosage range of 5 to 100 mg, in a single dose or divided into two to four daily doses. In a further example, for administration by intravenous or intramuscular injection or infusion, a sterile solution or suspension containing up to 10% w/w (and typically 5% w/w) of a compound of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof may be used.

Therefore in a further aspect, the present invention provides a compound of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for use in a method of therapeutic treatment of the human or animal body.

In yet a further aspect the present invention provides a method of treating a disease condition wherein antagonism of the NK₁ receptor is beneficial which comprises administering to a warm-blooded animal an effective amount of a compound of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof. The present invention also provides the use of a compound of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in the preparation of a medicament for use in a disease condition wherein antagonism of the NK₁ receptor is beneficial.

The compounds of the formula (I) and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts may be made by processes as described and exemplified herein and by processes similar thereto and by processes known in the chemical art. If not commercially available, starting materials for these processes may be made by procedures which are selected from the chemical art using techniques which are similar or analogous to the synthesis of known compounds.

It is well known in the art how to prepare optically-active forms (for example, by resolution of the racemic form or by synthesis from optically-active starting materials) and how to determine the NK₁ antagonist properties by the standard tests known in the art and those described hereinafter.

Some individual compounds within the scope of this invention may contain double bonds. Representations of double bonds in this invention are meant to include both the E and the Z isomer of the double bond. Additionally, some species within the scope of this invention may contain one or more asymmetric centers. This invention includes the use of any of the optically pure stereoisomers as well as any combination of stereoisomers.

Some compounds bearing a 2-substituted naphthamide can exist as a mixture of conformational isomers (atropisomers) (“The Chemistry of Rotational Isomers”; Oki, M.; Springer Verlag, N.Y.; 1993). Where individual atropisomers have been isolatable, distinct chemical and biological properties have been observed. The compounds of this invention comprise both mixtures of, and individual, atropisomers.

The following biological test methods, data and Examples serve to illustrate and further describe the invention.

The utility of a compound of the invention or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof (hereinafter, collectively referred to as a “compound”) may be demonstrated by standard tests and clinical studies, including those disclosed in the publications described below.

SP Receptor Binding Assay (Test A)

The ability of a compound of the invention to antagonize the binding of SP at tie NK₁ receptor may be demonstrated using an assay using the human NK₁ receptor expressed in Mouse Erythroleukemia (MEL) cells. The human NK₁ receptor was isolated and characterized as described in: B. Hopkins, et al. “Isolation and characterization of the human lung NK₁ receptor cDNA” Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm., 1991, 180, 1110-1117; and the NK₁ receptor was expressed in Mouse Erythroleukemia (MEL) cells using a procedure similar to that described in Test B below.

Neurokinin A (NKA) Receptor Binding Assay (Test B)

The ability of a compound of the invention to antagonize the binding of NKA at the NK₂ receptor may be demonstrated using an assay using the human NK₂ receptor expressed in Mouse Erythroleukemia (MEL) cells, as described in: Aharony, D., et al. “Isolation and Pharmacological Characterization of a Hampster Neurokinin A Receptor cDNA” Molecular Pharmacology, 1994, 45, 9-19.

The selectivity of a compound for binding at the NK₁ and the NK₂ receptors may be shown by determining its binding at other receptors using standard assays, for example, one using a tritiated derivative of NKB in a tissue preparation selective for NK₃ receptors. In general, the compounds of the invention which were tested demonstrated statistically significant binding activity in Test A and Test B with a K₁ of 1 mM or much less typically being measured.

Rabbit Pulmonary Artery: NK₁ In Vitro Functional Assay (Test C)

The ability of a compound of the invention to antagonize the action of the agonist Ac-[Arg⁶, Sar⁹, Met(O₂)¹¹] Substance P (6-11), ASMSP, in a pulmonary tissue may be demonstrated as follows.

Male New Zealand white rabbits are euthanized via i.v. injection into the ear vein with 60 mg/kg Nembutal (50 mg/mL). Preceding the Nembutal into the vein is Heparin (1000 units/mL) at 0.0025 mL/kg for anticoagulant purposes. The chest cavity is opened from the top of the rib cage to the sternum and the heart, lungs and part of the trachea are removed. The pulmonary arteries are isolated from the rest of the tissues and cut in half to serve as pairs.

The segments are suspended between stainless steel stirrups, so as not to remove any of the endothelium, and placed in water-jacketed (37.0° C.) tissue baths containing physiological salt solution of the following composition (mM): NaCl, 118.0; KCl, 4.7; CaCl₂, 1.8; MgCl₂, 0.54; NaH₂PO₄, 1.0; NaHCO₃, 25.0; glucose, 11.0; indomethacin, 0.005 (to inhibit cyclooxygenase); and dl-Propranolol, 0.001 (to block β receptors); gassed continuously with 95% O₂−5% CO₂. Responses are measured on a Grass polygraph via Grass FT-03 transducers.

Initial tension placed on each tissue is 2 grams, which is maintained throughout the 1.0 hour equilibration period. Tissues are washed with the physiological salt solution at 15 minute intervals. At the 30 and 45 minute wash the following treatments are added: 1×10⁻⁶ M Thiorphan (to block E.C.3.4.24.11), 3×10⁻⁸ M (S)—N—[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-[4-(2-oxoperhydropyrimidin-1-yl)piperidino]butyl]-N-methylbenzamide (to block NK₂ receptors), and the given concentration of the compound being tested. At the end of the 1.0 h equilibration, 3×10⁻⁶ M Phenylephrine hydrochloride is added for 1.0 h. At the end of 1.0 h, a dose relaxation curve to ASMSP is done. Each tissue is treated as a individual and is considered finished when it fails to relax further for 2 consecutive doses. When a tissue is complete, 1×10⁻³ M Papaverine is added for maximum relaxation.

Percent inhibition is determined when a tested compound produces a statistically significant (p<0.05) reduction of the total relaxation which is calculated using the total relaxation of the Papaverine as 100%. Potencies of the compounds are determined by calculating the apparent dissociation constants (K_(B)) for each concentration tested using the standard equation: KB=[antagonist]/ (dose ratio−1) where dose ratio=antilog[(agonist −log molar EC₅₀ without compound)−(−log molar EC₅₀ with compound)]. The K_(B) values may be converted to the negative logarithms and expressed as −log molar KB (i.e. pK_(B)). For this evaluation, complete concentration-response curves for agonist obtained in the absence and presence of the compound tested using paired pulmonary artery rings. The potency of the agonist is determined at 50% of its own maximum relaxation in each curve. The EC₅₀ values are converted to negative logarithms and expressed as −log molar EC₅₀. NK₂ In Vitro Functional Assay (Test D)

The ability of a compound of the invention to antagonize the action of the agonist [β-ala8] NKA (4-10), BANK, in a pulmonary tissue may be demonstrated as follows. Male New Zealand white rabbits are euthanized via i.v. injection into the ear vein with 60 mg/kg Nembutal (50 mg/mL). Preceding the Nembutal into the vein is Heparin (1000 units/mL) at 0.0025 mL/kg for anticoagulant purposes. The chest cavity is opened from the top of the rib cage to the sternum and a small incision is made into the heart so that the left and right pulmonary arteries can be cannulated with polyethylene tubing (PE260 and PE190 respectively). The pulmonary arteries are isolated from the rest of the tissues, then rubbed over an intimal surface to remove the endothelium, and cut in half to serve as pairs. The segments are suspended between stainless steel stirrups and placed in water-jacketed (37.0° C.) tissue baths containing physiological salt solution of the following composition (mM): NaCl, 118.0; KCl, 4.7; CaCl₂, 1.8; MgCl₂, 0.54; NaH₂PO₄, 1.0; NaHCO₃, 25.0; glucose, 11.0; and indomethacin, 0.005 (to inhibit cyclooxygenase); gassed continuously with 95% O₂−5% CO₂. Responses are measured on a Grass polygraph via Grass FT-03 transducers.

Initial tension placed on each tissue is 2 g, which is maintained throughout the 45 min equilibration period. Tissues are washed with the physiological salt solution at 15 min intervals. After the 45 min equilibration period, 3×10⁻² M KCl is given for 60 min to test the viability of the tissues. The tissues are then washed extensively for 30 min. The concentration of the compound being tested is then added for 30 min. At the end of the 30 min, a cumulative dose response curve to BANK is performed. Each tissue is treated as a individual and is considered finished when it fails to contract further for 2 consecutive doses. When a tissue is complete, 3×10⁻² M BaCl₂ is added for maximum contraction.

Percent inhibition is determined when a tested compound produces a statistically significant (p<0.05) reduction of the total contraction which is calculated using the total contraction of the BaCl₂ as 100%. Potencies of the compounds are determined by calculating the apparent dissociation constants (K_(B)) for each concentration tested using the standard equation: K_(B)=[antagonist]/(dose ratio−1) where dose ratio=antilog[(agonist −log molar EC₅₀ without compound)−(−log molar EC₅₀ with compound)]. The K_(B) values may be converted to the negative logarithms and expressed as −log molar K_(B) (i.e. pK_(B)). For this evaluation, complete concentration-response curves for agonist obtained in the absence and presence of the compound tested using paired pulmonary artery rings. The potency of the agonist is determined at 50% of its own maximum relaxation in each curve. The EC₅₀ values are converted to negative logarithms and expressed as −log molar EC₅₀. NK₁ and NK₂ In Vivo Functional Assay (Test E)

The activity of a compound as an antagonist of NK₁ and/or NK₂ receptors also may be demonstrated in vivo in laboratory animals as described in: Buckner et al. “Differential Blockade by Tachykinin NK₁ and NK₂ Receptor Antagonists of Bronchoconstriction Induced by Direct-Acting Agonists and the Indirect-Acting Mimetics Capsaicin, Serotonin and 2-Methyl-Serotonin in the Anesthetized Guinea Pig.” J. Pharm. Exp. Ther., 1993, Vol 267(3), pp. 1168-1175. The assay is carried out as follows.

Compounds are tested in anesthetized guinea pigs pretreated with i.v. indomethacin (10 mg/kg, 20 min), propranolol (0.5 mg/kg, 15 min), and thiorphan (10 mg/kg, 10 min).

Antagonists or vehicle are administered i.v. and orally, 30 and 120 min prior to increasing concentrations of agonist, respectively. The agonists used in these studies are ASMSP (Ac-[Arg⁶,Sar⁹,Met(O₂)¹¹]-SP(6-11)) and BANK (β-ala-8 NKA4-10).

Administered i.v., ASMSP is selective for NK₁ receptors, and BANK is selective for NK₂ receptors. Maximum response is defined as zero conductance (G_(L), 1/Rp). ED₅₀ values are calculated (the dose of agonist resulting in a reduction of G_(L) to 50% of baseline), and converted to the negative logarithm (−logED₅₀). The ED₅₀ values; obtained in the presence (P) and absence (A) of antagonist, are used to calculate a Dose Ratio (P/A), an expression of potency. Data are expressed as mean±SEM and statistical differences were determined using ANOVA/Tukey-Kramer and Student's t-test, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.

Compounds of the present invention exhibit marked activity in the foregoing tests and are considered useful for the treatment of those diseases in which the NK₁ and/or NK₂ receptor is implicated, for example, in the treatment of asthma and related conditions.

EXAMPLES

The invention will now be illustrated by the following non-limiting examples, in which, unless stated otherwise:

-   -   (i) temperatures are given in degrees Celsius (° C.); unless         otherwise stated, operations were carried out at room or ambient         temperature, that is, at a temperature in the range of 18-25°         C.;     -   (ii) organic solutions were dried over anhydrous magnesium         sulfate; evaporation of solvent was carried out using a rotary         evaporator under reduced pressure (600-4000 Pascals; 4.5-30 mm         Hg) with a bath temperature of up to 60° C.;     -   (iii) chromatography means flash chromatography on silica gel;         thin layer chromatography (TLC) was carried out on silica gel         plates;     -   (iv) in general, the course of reactions was followed by TLC and         reaction times are given for illustration only;     -   (v) melting points are uncorrected and (dec) indicates         decomposition;     -   (vi) final products had satisfactory proton nuclear magnetic         resonance (NMR) spectra;     -   (vii) when given, NMR data is in the form of delta values for         major diagnostic protons, given in parts per million (ppm)         relative to tetramethylsilane (TMS) as an internal standard,         determined at 300 MHz using deuterated chloroform (CDCl₃) as         solvent; conventional abbreviations for signal shape are used;         for AB spectra the directly observed shifts are reported;         coupling constants (J) are given in Hz; Ar designates an         aromatic proton when such an assignment is made;     -   (viii) reduced pressures are given as absolute pressures in         pascals (Pa); elevated pressures are given as gauge pressures in         bars;     -   (ix) solvent ratios are given in volume:volume (v/v) terms; and     -   (x) Mass spectra (MS) were run using an automated system with         atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI). Generally, only         spectra where parent masses are observed are reported. The         lowest mass major ion is reported for molecules where isotope         splitting results in multiple mass spectral peaks (for example         when chlorine is present).

Terms and abbreviations: solvent mixture compositions are given as volume percentages or volume ratios. In cases where the NMR spectra are complex, only diagnostic signals are reported. atm=atmospheric pressure, Boc=t-butoxycarbonyl, Cbz=benzyloxy-carbonyl, DCM=methylene chloride, DIPEA=diusopropylethylamine, DMF=N,N-dimethylformamide, DMSO=dimethyl sulfoxide, Et₂O=diethyl ether, EtOAc=ethyl acetate, equiv.=equivalent(s), h hour(s), HPLC=high performance liquid chromatography, min=minutes, NMR=nuclear magnetic resonance, psi=pounds per square inch, TFA=trifluoroacetic acid, THF=tetrahydrofuran.

Standard reductive amination refers to the typical procedure in which a solution of an amine (1-1.2 equiv.), an aldehyde (1-1.2 equiv.) and acetic acid (2 equiv.) is stirred in methanol for 5 to 60 min before adding NaBH₃CN (1.7 equiv.). After 1-16 h the reaction is optionally concentrated, dissolved in DCM, and washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate and then purified by chromatography.

Standard Swem oxidation conditions refer to the oxidation of an alcohol to the corresponding aldehyde according to Mancuso, A J; Huang, S L; Swem, D; J. Org. Chem.; 1978, 2840.

Standard formation of an acid chloride refers to the typical procedure in which a solution of a substituted carboxylic acid in DCM is stirred with 1-1.2 equiv. of oxalyl chloride and a catalytic amount of DMF for 1-12 h, concentrated under reduced pressure, and used without purification.

Standard acylation refers to the typical procedure in which an acid chloride (1-1.2 equiv.) is added to a stirred solution of an amine (1-1.2 equiv.) and triethylamine (2 equiv.) in DCM. After 1-16 h the reaction is optionally concentrated, dissolved in DCM, and washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate and then purified by chromatography.

Where noted that a final compound was converted to the citrate salt, the free base was combined with citric acid (1.0 equiv.) in methanol, concentrated under reduced pressure and dried under vacuum (25-70° C.). When indicated that a compound was isolated by filtration from Et₂O, the citrate salt of the compound was stirred in Et₂O for 12-18 h, removed by filtration, washed with Et₂O, and dried under vacuum at 25-70° C.

Where noted that a final compound was converted to the hydrochloride salt, a solution of HCL in Et₂O was added with stirring to a solution of the purified free base in DCM or methanol. The resulting precipitate was collected by filtration and dried under vacuum.

Analytical HPLC conditions employed were the following: Hewlett Packard HP1100 system using a Luna C18(2) 4.6×75 mm, 3 micron column (Phenomenex; Torrance, Calif.) with the following gradient: 0-0.5 min; 20% Solvent B, then ramping linearly to 85% Solvent B at 15 min at a fixed flow rate of 2 mL/min (Solvent A: 0.1% TFA in water; Solvent B: 0.1% TFA in methanol) using UV detection at 255 nm.

Example 1

N-[2-(S)-(3,4-Dichlorophehyl)-3-aminocarbonylpropyl]-N-methyl-3-cyano-2-methoxy-1-naphthamide

To a stirred solution of N-[2-(S)-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-3-carboxypropyl]-N-methyl-3-cyano-2-methoxy-1-naphthamide and diisopropylethyl amine (2.0 equiv.) in DCM was added tetramethyl fluoroformamidiniurn hexaflurophosphate (TFFH) (1.2 equiv.). After 20 min, ammonium hydroxybenzotriazole (1.2 equiv., Bajusz, S; et al.; Fed. Eur. Biochem. Soc.; 1977, 76, 91) was added. After 30 min, the solution was extracted with saturated sodium bicarbonate, 1 M HCl, and water, then purified by flash chromatography (80%). ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.64-8.62 (m), 8.08-7.94 (m), 7.78-7.72 (m), 7.70 (s), 7.67 (s), 7.63-7.58 (m), 7.56-7.50 (m), 7.46-7.39 (m), 7.36-7.32 (m), 7.11 (bs); 7.01-6.98 (m), 6.85-6.76 (m), 6.37-6.34 (d), 4.51-4.43 (t), 4.08-3.99 (m), 3.94 (s), 3.91 (s), 3.73-3.71 (m), 3.67 (s), 3.64-3.61 (m), 3.46-3.28 (m), 3.13 (s), 3.11 (s), 3.06 (s), 2.69 (s), 2.62 (s), 2.56-2.44 (m), 2.34-2.27 (m), 2.16-2.11 (m), 2.07 (s); MS APCI, m/z=470 (M⁺); HPLC 11.82.

The requisite N-[2-(S)-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-3-carboxypropyl]-N-methyl-3-cyano-2-methoxy-1-naphthamide was prepared as follows.

(a) 3-Hydroxy-4-iodo-2-naphthoic acid

A mixture of NaOH (2.12 g) in methanol (100 mL) was stirred until the solution was homogeneous. Sodium iodide (3.98 g) and 3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (5.00 g) were added and allowed to stir for 30 min. The resulting suspension was cooled to 0° C. and a 5.25% (w/v) aqueous solution of sodium hypochlorite was added dropwise and stirring continued for 1 h. Saturated sodium thiosulfate (25 mL) was added and after 5 min the solution was acidified to pH 2 by addition of 6 N HCl resulting in the formation of a yellow precipitate which was filtered and washed with water (50 mL). The precipitate was transferred to a round-bottomed flask, dissolved in methanol (70 mL) and toluene (100 mL), concentrated, redissolved in methanol (70 mL), concentrated, redissolved again in methanol (70 mL) and toluene (100 mL) and concentrated to afford the product as a yellow solid (6.26 g). MS m/z 313 (M−1). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 12.41 (broad, 1H), 8.63 (s, 1H), 8.05-7.97 (m, 2H), 7.70 (m, 1H), 7.42 (m, 1H).

(b) Methyl 3-methoxy-4-iodo-2-naphthoate

A solution of 3-hydroxy-4-iodo-2-naphthoic acid (8.0 g), dimethyl sulfate (8.03 g), powdered potassium carbonate (8.80 g), and dry acetone (150 mL) was heated under reflux for 18 h. The solution was cooled to room temperature, triethylamine (15 mL) was added, and stirring continued for 30 min. The solution was filtered through a pad of Celite and washed with dry acetone (50 mL). The filtrate was concentrated to a yellow oil, diluted with EtOAc, and washed successively with 1N HCl (100 mL), saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate (100 mL), and brine (100 mL). The organic phase was dried (sodium sulfate), filtered, concentrated, and purified by chromatography (0-10% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford the product as a yellow oil (5.53 g). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 8.47 (s, 1H), 8.09 (m, 2H), 7.74 (m, 1H), 7.61 (m, 1H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 3.87 (s, 3H).

(c) 1-Iodo-3-cyano-2-methoxynaphthalene

Based on the procedure of Wood, J L; Khatri, N A; Weinreb, S M; Tetrahedron Lett; 51, 4907 (1979), methyl 3-methoxy-4-iodo-2-naphthoate (5.0 g) was suspended in xylenes (100 mL), cooled to 0° C., dimethylaluminum amide solution (approximately 37 mmol) was added and the solution heated under reflux for 2.5 h. The solution was then cooled to 0° C. and the solution was acidified to pH 2 by addition of 1N HCl and extracted with EtOAc (3×100 mL). The combined EtOAc extracts were washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate (150 mL) and brine (150 mL), dried (sodium sulfate), filtered, concentrated, and purified by chromatography (1:1 EtOAc:DCM, then 10-20% EtOAc in DCM) to afford the product as a white solid (3.29 g). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 8.69 (s, 1H), 8.24-8.04 (m, 2H), 7.91-7.81 (m, 1H), 7.76-7.65 (m, 1H), 3.99 (s, 3H); MS m/z 311 (M+H).

(d) Methyl 3-cyano-2-methoxy-1-naphthoate

Through a suspension of 1-iodo-3-cyano-2-methoxynaphthalene (0.250 g), Pd(OAc)₂ (0.018 g), triethylamine (0.081 g) and methanol (20 mL) was bubbled carbon monoxide for 25 min, then stirred at 70° C. under carbon monoxide (1 atm) for 18 h. The cooled solution was filtered, rinsed with methanol (20 mL) and DCM (20 mL), concentrated, preadsorbed onto silica (1 g) and purified by chromatography (0-10% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford the product as a white solid (0.113 g). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 8.78 (s, 1H), 8.12-8.09 (m, 1H), 7.84-7.78 (m, 2H), 7.70-7.63 (m, 1H), 4.02-4.01 (m, 6H); IR (cm⁻¹): 2228, 1724, 1296, 1236, 1208, 1017.

(e) 3-Cyano-2-methoxy-1-naphthoic acid

A solution of methyl 3-cyano-2-methoxy-1-naphthoate (0.113 g) and LiOH•H₂O (0.0196 g) THF (3 mL), water (1 mL) and methanol (1 mL) was stirred overnight at room temperature. The solution was diluted with saturated sodium bicarbonate and extracted with Et₂O. The aqueous layer was acidified to pH 2 by addition of 1N HCl and extracted with Et₂O. The organic layer was washed with water (30 mL) and brine (40 mL), dried (sodium sulfate), filtered, and concentrated to a white solid. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 14.06 (broad, 1H), 8.08-8.02 (m, 1H), 7.83-7.76 (m, 2H), 7.69-7.63 (m, 1H), 4.02 (s, 3H); MS m/z: 226 (M−1).

(f) N-[2-(S)-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-4-hydroxybutyl]-N-methyl-3-cyano-2-methoxy-1-naphthamide

A solution of N-[2-(S)-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-hydroxybutyl]-N-methylamine (Miller, SC; WO 9512577) in DCM was combined with 10% aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. The mixture was cooled to 0° C. and a solution of 3-cyano-2-methoxy-1-naphthoyl chloride (prepared from 3-cyano-2-methoxy-1-naphthoic acid using oxalyl chloride) in DCM was added dropwise over 30 min. After stirring overnight at room temperature, the organic phase was concentrated and purified by column chromatography to afford N-[2-(S)-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-4-hydroxybutyl]-N-methyl-3-cyano-2-methoxy-1-naphathamide. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.67-8.58 (m), 8.07-8.00 (m), 7.72-7.65 (m), 7.64-7.43 (m), 7.42-7.34 (m), 7.02-7.01 (m), 6.98-6.87 (d), 6.77-6.74 (d), 6.31-6.28 (d), 4.55-4.52 (t), 4.35-4.34 (t), 4.03-3.92 (m), 3.78-3.72 (m), 3.68 (s), 3.45-3.37 (m), 3.29-2.89 (m), 2.73 (s), 2.59-2.49 (m), 1.91-1.78 (m), 1.58-1.46 (m); MS APCI, m/z=457 (M+). (g) N-[2-(S)-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-3-carboxypropyl]—N-methyl-3-cyano-2-methoxy-1-naphthamide

According to the procedure of Corey, E J and Schmidt, G, Tetr. Lett., 1979, 399, a solution of pyridinium dichromate (4.5 g) was added to a solution of N-[2-(S)-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-4-hydroxybutyl]-N-methyl-3-cyano-2-methoxy-1-naphthamide (1.5 g) in DMF (20 mL) and stirred for 4 h. After filtration, dilution with ethyl acetate, and aqueous extraction of the filtrate, the product was purified by flash chromatography (80%). ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 12.28 (s), 8.66-8.62 (m), 8.09-7.95 (m), 7.78-7.76 (m), 7.72-7.56 (m), 7.52-7.45 (m), 7.40-7.30 (m), 7.11-7.10 (d), 7.04 (s), 7.01 (s), 6.87-6.84 (d), 4.53-4.45 (t), 3.94 (s), 3.92 (s), 3.68 (s), 3.44-3.27 (m), 3.11 (s), 3.02 (s), 2.76-2.73 (m), 2.62 (s), 2.55-2.38 (m); MS APCI, m/z=471 (M⁺).

Ex. R MS^(a) HPLC^(b) Synthesis 2 —OH 472 11.81, 12.12, 12.55 See Example 1 step (g) 3 —N(CH₃)₂ 498 11.78, 12.32, 12.76 Dimethylamine^(d) (solution in THF; 4 equiv.) 4 —NHC(CH₃)₃ 526 12.95, 13.39, 13.99, tert-Butylamine^(d) 14.15 (4 equiv.) 5 —NHCH₃ 484 10.88, 11.39, 12.15, Methylamine^(d) 12.26 (solution in THF; 4 equiv.) 6 —OCH₃ 486 13.10 13.48 Methyl iodide^(e) ^(a)Mass spectral data; (APCI) m/z. Multiple peaks due to isotopic splitting are not considered; data for the major isotopically abundant signal corresponding to the protonated molecular ion cluster are shown (unless noted otherwise). ^(b)See general experimental section for HPLC conditions, retention times in minutes; “nd” indicates not determined. ^(d)The indicated amine was reacted with N-[2-(S)-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-3-carboxypropyl]-N-methyl-3-cyano-2-methoxy-1-naphthoyl chloride (prepared from N-[2-(S)-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-3-carboxy-propyl]-N-methyl-3-cyano-2-methoxy-1-naphthamide using the standard defined conditions for acid chloride formation) using the standard defined conditions for acylation. ^(e)Prepared by reaction of the material of Example 2 with K₂CO₃ (2 equiv.) and methyl iodide (1.2 equiv.) in DMF for 2 h.

Example 7

N-[2-(S)-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-3-aminocarbonylpropyl]-3-cyano-2-ethyl-1-naphthamide

To a stirred solution of N-[2-(S)-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-3-carboxypropyl]-3-cyano-2-ethyl-1-naphthamide and ammonium hydroxybenzotriazole (2.6 equiv.) in DMF was added 1-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (2.2 equiv). After 18 h, the solution was poured into saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate and extracted with DCM. The DCM extracts were concentrated, and the residue was purified by flash chromatography (73%). ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 8.74-8.63 (m), 8.58 (s), 8.07-7.92 (m), 7.71-7.46 (m), 7.45-7.22 (m), 6.87-6.85 (d), 6.79 (s), 4.01-3.77 (m), 3.61-3.20 (m), 2.82-2.63 (m), 2.59-2.23 (m), 1.21-1.16 (t), 1.02-0.97 (t); MS APCI, m/z=454.1 (M⁺); HPLC 17.5 min. Analytical HPLC conditions employed were the following: Hewlett Packard HP 1050 system using a Zorbax RX-C8, 4.6×250 mm, 5 micron column at 30° C., with the following gradient: 0-0.5 min; 10% Solvent B, then ramping linearly to 100% Solvent B at 30 min at a fixed flow rate of 1.2 mL/min (Solvent A: 0.1% TFA in water; Solvent B: 0.1% TFA in acetonitrile); UV detection at 215 nm.

N-[2-(S)-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-3-carboxypropyl]-3-cyano-2-ethyl-1-naphthamide was prepared as follows:

N-[2-(S)-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-4-hydroxybutyl]-3-cyano-2-ethyl-1-naphthamide was prepared according to methods described for Example 1, step (f) using N-[2-(S)-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-hydroxybutyl]-amine (Miller, S C; WO 9410146) in place of N-[2-(S)-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-hydroxybutyl]-N-methylamine and using 3-cyano-2-ethyl-1-naphthoyl chloride in place of 3-cyano-2-methoxy-1-naphthoyl chloride. N-[2-(S)-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-3-carboxypropyl]-3-cyano-2-ethyl was prepared by Jones oxidation (Fieser, L F, Fieser, M; “Reagents for Organic Synthesis”, Vol. 1, Wiley, 1967, p. 142) of N-[2-(S)-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-hydroxybutyl]-3-cyano-2-ethyl-1-naphthamide. 3-Cyano-2-ethyl-1-naphthoyl chloride was prepared from 3-cyano-2-ethyl-1-naphthoic acid (7i) using oxalyl chloride. 3-Cyano-2-ethyl-1-naphthoic acid (7i) was prepared as follows.

7b

A mixture of NaOH (2.12 g) in methanol (100 mL) was stirred until the solution was homogeneous. Sodium iodide (3.98 g) and compound 7a (5.00 g) were added and stirring continued for 30 min. The resulting suspension was cooled to 0° C. and a 5.25% (w/v) aqueous solution of sodium hypochlorite was added dropwise and stirring continued for 1 h. Saturated sodium thiosulfate (25 mL) was added and after 5 min the solution was acidified to pH 2 by addition of 6 N HCl resulting in the formation of a yellow precipitate which was filtered and washed with water (50 mL). The precipitate was transferred to a round-bottomed flask, dissolved in methanol (70 mL) and toluene (100 mL), concentrated, redissolved in methanol (70 mL), concentrated, redissolved again in methanol (70 mL) and toluene (100 mL) and concentrated to afford the product as a yellow solid (6.26 g). MS m/z 313 (M−1). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 12.41 (broad, 1H), 8.63 (s, 1H), 8.05-7.97 (m, 2H), 7.70 (m, 1H), 7.42 (m, 1H).

7c

A solution of compound 7b (8.0 g), dimethyl sulfate (8.03 g), powdered potassium carbonate (8.80 g), and dry acetone (150 mL) was heated under reflux for 18 h. The solution was cooled to room temperature, triethylamine (15 mL) was added, and stirring continued for 30 min. The solution was filtered through a pad of Celite and washed with dry acetone (50 mL). The filtrate was concentrated to a yellow oil, diluted with EtOAc, and washed successively with 1N HCl (100 mL), saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate (100 mL), and brine (100 mL). The organic phase was dried (sodium sulfate), filtered, concentrated, and purified by chromatography (0-10% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford the product as a yellow oil (5.53 g). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 8.47 (s, 1H), 8.09 (m, 2H), 7.74 (m, 1H), 7.61 (m, 1H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 3.87 (s, 3H).

7d

Based on the procedure of Wood, J L; Khatri, N A; Weinreb, S M; Tetrahedron Lett; 51, 4907 (1979), compound c (5.0 g) was suspended in xylenes (100 mL), cooled to 0° C., dimethylaluminum amide solution (approximately 37 mmol) was added and the solution heated under reflux for 2.5 h. The solution was then cooled to 0° C., acidified to pH 2 by addition of 1N HCl, and extracted with EtOAc (3×100 mL). The combined EtOAc extracts were washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate (150 mL) and brine (150 mL), dried (sodium sulfate), filtered, concentrated, and purified by chromatography (1:1 EtOAc:DCM, then 10-20% EtOAc in DCM) to afford the product as a white solid (3.29 g). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 8.69 (s, 1H), 8.24-8.04 (m, 2H), 7.91-7.81 (m, 1H), 7.76-7.65 (m, 1H), 3.99 (s, 3H); MS m/z 311 (M+1).

7e

Through a suspension of compound 7d (0.250 g), Pd(OAc)₂ (0.018 g), triethylamine (0.081 g) and methanol (20 mL) was bubbled carbon monoxide for 25 min, then stirred at 70° C. under carbon monoxide (1 atm) for 18 h. The cooled solution was filtered, rinsed with methanol (20 mL) and DCM (20 mL), concentrated, preadsorbed onto silica (1 g) and purified by chromatography (0-10% EtOAc in hexanes) to afford the product as a white solid (0.113 g). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 8.78 (s, 1H), 8.12-8.09 (m, 1H), 7.84-7.78 (m, 2H), 7.70-7.63 (m, 1H), 4.02-4.01 (m, 6H); IR (cm⁻¹): 2228, 1724, 1296, 1236, 1208, 1017.

7f

A flame dried 250 mL 3-neck flask was charged with magnesium metal (2.42 g, 99.5 mmol). After cooling to room temperature, diethyl ether (80 mL), benzene (30 mL) and iodine (12.62 g, 49.7 mmol) were added. The reaction mixture was heated under reflux for 2 h and the iodine color dissipated. After cooling to room temperature, this solution was transferred to compound 7e (10 g, 41.4 mmol) in benzene (30 mL) via syringe. The flask was washed with benzene (15 mL) and a yellow precipitate formed during the addition. The reaction mixture was heated under reflux for another 1 h. 1N HCl and EtOAc were added and the aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with saturated Na₂S₂O₄, NaCl, water, dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated. The crude product was purified by chromatography (DCM) to afford the product (6.88 g, 73% yield) as a yellow solid. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 12.82 (s, 1H), 8.81-8.78 (d, 1H), 8.32 (s, 1H), 7.83-7.82 (d, 1H), 7.70 (t, 1H), 7.50 (t, 1H), 4.16 (s, 3H). MS (APCI, negative ion mode) m/z 225.92 (M−).

7g

To a solution of compound 7f (6.24 g, 27.5 mmol) in DCM (140 mL) was added triethylamine (4.21 mL, 30.2 mmol) followed by trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (5.05 mL, 30.2 mmol) at 0° C. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. Saturated NaHCO₃ was added and the aqueous layer was extracted with DCM. The combined organic extracts were dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated. The crude product was purified by chromatography (eluting with DCM) to give the product (9.6 g, 97% yield) as a yellow oil. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 8.44 (s, 1H), 8.29-8.04 (d, 1H), 7.01-7.98 (d, 1H), 7.84 (m, 2H), 4.10 (s, 3H).

7h

A stirred solution of compound 7g (1.51 g, 4.20 mmol), K₃PO₄ (1.78 g, 8.38 mmol), triethylborane (8.4 mL, 8.38 mmol) and (1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene)-dichloro-palladium (II) CH₂Cl₂ (0.34 g, 0.42 mmol) in THF (50 mL) was heated at 66° C. for 3 h. Water was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (3×). The combined organic layers were dried over MgSO₄, filter and concentrated. The crude product was purified by chromatography (eluting with 5%, 8% EtOAc/hexane) to give the product (0.66 g, 66% yield) as a yellow oil. MS m/z 240 (M+).

7i

To a solution of compound 7h (0.34 g, 1.42 mmol) in THF (14 mL) and water (5.6 mL) was added 1N NaOH (2.9 mL, 2.98 mmol) and several drops of methanol. The solution was heated under reflux overnight, cooled, THF and methanol were removed under reduced pressure, the mixture was diluted with DCM, then extracted. The aqueous layer was acidified to pH 1 by addition of 1N HCl and extracted with EtOAc. The EtOAc extracts were combined, dried, filtered, and concentrated to afford the product (0.14 g, 44%) as a white solid. MS m/z=224.

Ex. R MS^(a) HPLC^(b) Synthesis^(c) 8 —N(CH₃)₂ 482.1 19.8 N,N-Dimethyl amine 9 —NHCH₃ 468.1 18.3 Methylamine 10 —N(CH₂—CH₂)₂O 524.1 19.4 Morpholine ^(a)Mass spectral data; (APCI) m/z. Multiple peaks due to isotopic splitting are not considered; data for the major isotopically abundant signal corresponding to the protonated molecular ion cluster are shown (unless noted otherwise). ^(b)Analytical HPLC conditions employed were the following: Hewlett Packard HP1050 system using a Zorbax RX-C8, 4.6 × 250 mm, 5 micron column at 30° C., with the following gradient: 0-0.5 min; 10% Solvent B, then ramping linearly to 100% Solvent B at 30 min at a fixed flow rate of 1.2 mL/min (Solvent A: 0.1% TFA in water; Solvent B: 0.1% TFA in acetonitrile); UV detection at 215 nm. ^(c)The compound was prepared by reaction of N-[2-(S)-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-3-carboxypropyl]-3-cyano-2-ethyl-1-naphthamide, the indicated amine, and 1-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-3-ethyl-carbodiimide hydrochloride.

Example 11

N-[(S)-2-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-3-carbamoylpropyl] —N-methyl-3-bromo-2,4-dimethoxy-1-napthamide

To a stirred solution of N-[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-3-carboxypropyl]—N-methyl-3-bromo-2,4-dimethoxy-1-napthamide (0.26 g, 0.468 mmol) in 5 mL of DMF was added HOBT.NH₃ (0.175 g, 1.15 mmol) and 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (0.184 g, 0.96 mmol). The mixture was stirred at RT for 24 h and treated with saturated NaHCO₃. The aqueous layer was extracted with DCM. The combined DCM extracts was dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated. Following chromatography purification, the title compound was obtained as light yellow solid (0.21 g, 81% yield). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 8.15-8.02 (m), 7.61-7.43 (m), 7.37-7.26 (m), 7.07-7.00 (m), 6.91-6.89 (d), 6.81 (d), 6.70-6.67 (d), 6.56-6.53 (d), 6.14 (s), 5.88 (s), 5.33-5.30 (m), 4.33-4.26 (m), 4.05-3.64 (m), 3.43 (m), 3.25 (s), 3.20 (s), 2.96 (s), 2.89 (s), 2.82-2.55 (m), 1.59 (s). MS m/z 555.0 (M+). Analysis calculated for C₂₄H₂₃BrCl₂N₂O₄, 0.1 H₂O, C 51.84, H 4.21, N, 5.04, found C, 51.81, H, 4.31, N, 5.05.

The requisite N-[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-3-carboxypropyl]-N-methyl-3-bromo-2,4-dimethoxy-1-napthamide was prepared as follows

N-[2-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-4-hydroxybutyl]-N-methyl-3-bromo-2,4-dimethoxy-1-napthamide. 3-Bromo-3,4-dimethoxy-1-naphthoyl chloride (0.6356 g, 1.93 mmol) in 8 ml of DCM was added to a stirred mixture of N-[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-hydroxybutyl]amine (0.4785 g, 1.93 mmol) in 24 mL of DCM and 2.4 mL of 1N NaOH at 0° C. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 2 h and RT for 30 min. The aqueous layer was extracted with DCM and the combined DCM extracts was dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated to give crude product which was purified by chromatography to give product as white solid (0.48 g 46% yield). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 8.11-8.08 (d), 8.06-8.03 (d), 7.63-7.24 (m), 7.14-7.11 (d), 7.03 (d), 6.98-6.88 (m), 6.77-6.74 (d), 6.67-6.64 (d), 6.59-6.56 (d), 4.33-4.25 (m), 4.04-3.81 (m), 3.76 (s), 3.72-3.71 (d), 3.54-3.32 (m), 3.14 (s), 3.10 (s), 2.64 (s), 2.59 (s), 2.11-1.62 (m). MS m/z 542.0 (M+).

N-[2-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-4-carboxypropyl]—N-methyl-3-bromo-2,4-dimethoxy-1-napthamide

To a stirred solution of 0.5 mL of Jone's Reagent (2.734 g of CrO₃ in 2.3 mL of concentrated H₂SO₄ and 10 mL of H₂O) in 5 mL of acetone was added N-[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-hydroxybutyl]-N-methyl-3-br (0.35 g, 0.65 mmol) in 5 mL of acetone dropwise at 0° C. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 2 h. Isopropyl alcohol was then added until a blue color persisted. The mixture was stirred at RT for 15 min and treated with EtOAc and water. The aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc. The combined organics was washed with saturated NaCl, dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated. Following chromatography purification, the product was obtained as yellow solid (0.26 g, 72% yield). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 12.06 (s), 8.08-7.97 (m), 7.76 (s), 7.69-7.48 (m), 7.31-7.21 (m), 7.10-7.08 (d), 6.98-6.95 (d), 6.88-6.83 (t), 6.39-6.36 (d), 4.49-4.41 (t), 3.97-3.93 (m), 3.81 (s), 3.78 (s), 3.70-3.66 (m), 3.57 (s), 3.48-3.42 (m), 3.10 (s), 3.06 (s), 2.81-2.64 (m), 2.60 (s), 1.85 (s).

The requisite 3-bromo-2,4-dimethoxy-1-naphthoyl chloride for step (a) above was prepared as follows:

Ethyl-3-bromo-2,4-dihydroxy-1-naphthoate

To a solution of ethyl-2,4-dihydroxy-1-naphthoate [Bruggink and McKillop Tetrahedron 31, 2607, 1975] (0.1 g, 0.43 mmol) in acetonitrile (2 mL) was added NBS (84 mg, 0.47 mmol). The mixture was stirred at RT for 30 min. The acetonitrile was removed in vacuo and CCl₄ was added. The solution was filtered and concentrated. The crude product was purified by chromatography (eluting with DCM) to give the product (0.13 g, 93% yield) as a white solid. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 13.61 (s, 1H), 8.79 (d, 1H), 8.24 (d, 1H), 7.58 (t, 1H), 7.41 (t, 1H), 6.61 (s, 1H), 4.60 (q, 2H), 1.55 (t. 3H). MS APCI negative mode m/z 310.84.

Ethyl-3-bromo-2,4-dimethoxy-1-naphthoate

To a solution of ethyl-3-bromo-2,4-dihydroxy-1-naphthoate (5.8 g, 18.6 mmol) in acetone (93 mL) was added potassium carbonate (6.43 g, 46.6 mmol) and dimethyl sulfate (4.4 mL, 46.6 mmol). The mixture was heated under reflux overnight and solvent was removed in vacuo. Water and EtOAc was added and the organic layer was dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated. The crude product was purified by chromatography (eluting with 3-5% EtOAc/hexane) to give the product (6.23 g, 99% yield) as a light yellow oil. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 8.13 (d, 1H), 7.83 (d, 1H), 7.62-7.48 (m, 2H), 4.54 (q, 2H), 4.02 (s, 3H), 4.00 (s, 3H), 1.46 (t, 3H).

3-Bromo-2,4-dimethoxy-1-naphthoyl chloride

A solution of ethyl-3-bromo-2,4-dimethoxy-1-naphthoate (0.613 g) in THF (6 mL) and water (4 mL) was treated with LiOH.H20 (0.16 g). Methanol (0.5 mL) was added, and the mixture was stirred under reflux for 40 h. The mixture was concentrated, treated with additional H₂O and extracted with DCM. The aqueous layer was acidified with 1N HCl and extracted with EtOAc. The extracts were dried, filtered, and the solvent removed to afford the product (0.33 g, 59% yield) as a white solid. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 13.73 (s, 1H), 8.09 (d, 1H), 7.82 (d, 1H), 7.71-7.56 (m, 2H), 3.97 (s, 3H), 3.91 (s, 3H). This material was converted to 3-bromo-2,4-dimethoxy-1-naphthoyl chloride using oxalyl chloride under standard conditions.

Example 12

Example 12 was synthesized by standard reductive amination with cyclopropylamine and aldehyde. The required aldehyde was prepared as follows: N-[2-(S)-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-4-hydroxybutyl]-3-bromo-2,4-dimethoxy-1-naphthamide A solution of N-[2-(S)-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)4-hydroxybutyl]amine in DCM was combined with 1N NaOH solution. The mixture was cooled to 0° C. and a solution of 3-bromo-2,4-dimethoxy-1-naphthoyl chloride in DCM was added dropwise over 30 min. After stirring overnight at room temperature, the organic phase was concentrated and purified by column chromatography to afford N-[2-(S)-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-hydroxybutyl]-3-bromo-2,4-dimethoxy-1-naphthamide. 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) d 8.07-8.03 (m, 1H), 7.68-7.62 (m, 1H)), 7.51-7.38 (m, 4H), 7.16-7.13 (dd, 1H), 6.08 (t, 1H), 3.99 (s, 3H), 3.87 (s, 3H), 3.87-3.70 (m, 3H), 3.56 (m, 1H), 3.23-3.15 (m, 1H), 2.13-2.02 (m, 1H), 1.92-1.81 (m, 1H); MS APCI, m/z=528 (M+).

The aldehyde was prepared by standard Swern oxidation of N-[2-(S)-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-4-hydroxybutyl]-3-bromo-2,4-dimethoxy-1-naphthamide. MS APCI, m/z=526 (M+).

Example 13

N-[2-(S)-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-3-carboxypropyl]-3-bromo-2,4-dimethoxy-1-naphthamide

To a solution of Jone's Reagent (prepare from 2.734 g of CrO₃, 2.3 mL of concentrated H₂SO₄ and 10 mL of water) (2.4 mL) in acetone (20 mL) was added a solution of N-[2-(S)-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-4-hydroxybutyl]-3-bromo-2,4,-dimethoxy-1-naphatamide (1.647 g, 3.12 mmol) in acetone (20 mL) dropwise at 0° C. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 2 h. Isopropyl alcohol was added until a blue color was persisted. The mixture was stirred 15 min at room temperature and EtOAC/water was added. Combined organic layer was washed with saturated NaCl, dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated, following chromatography purification to give product as a white solid (1.07 g, 63%yield). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 8.08-8.04 (m, 1H), 7.68-7.64 (m, 1H), 7.52-7.46 (m, 2H), 7.42-7.40 (m, 2H), 7.18-7.15 (dd, 1H), 6.09 (t, 1H), 4.00 (s, 3H), 3.90 (s, 3H), 3.88-3.75 (m, 2H), 3.53-3.44 (m, 1H), 2.95-2.70 (m, 2H). MS (APCl) m/z 542.18 (M+1).

Ex. R MS HPLC Synthesis 12

567 3.629 Cyclopropylamine (1.5 equiv.) 14 —NMe₂ 555 3.493 Dimethylamine HCl (1.5 equiv.) 15 —NEt₂ 583 3.675 Diethylamine (1.5 equiv.) 16 —NMe(CH₂)₂—OH 585 3.413 2-(methylamino)ethanol (1.5 equiv.) Analytical HPLC conditions employed were the following: Hewlett Packard HP1100 system using a Luna C₁₈(2) 4.6×75 mm, 3 micron column with the following gradient: 20%-90% Solvent B 6 min at a fixed flow rate of 2 mL/min (Solvent A: 0.1% TFA in water; Solvent B: 0.1% TFA in acetonitrile) using UV detection at 255 nm

Example 17

The solution of N-[2-(S)-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-3-carboxypropyl]-3-cyano-2-methoxy-1-napthamide (0.15 g, 0.33 mmol), 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (0.144 g, 0.75 mmol), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (0.11 g, 0.81 mmol) and N-(2-methoxyethyl)methylamine (0.108 g, 1.22 mmol) in DMF (2 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 5 min. Triethylamine (0.22 mL, 1.62 mmol) was added and the solution was stirred at room temperature over night. EtOAc and saturated NaHCO₃ was added. The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated. After chromatography purification, the product was obtained as light yellow solid (0.132 g, 76% yield).

The required acid was prepared as follows:

N-[2-(S)-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-4-hydroxybutyl]-3-cyano-2-methoxy-1-naphthamide

A solution of N-[2-(S)-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-hydroxybutyl]amine in DCM was combined with 1N NaOH solution. The mixture was cooled to 0° C. and a solution of 3-cyano-2-methoxy-1-naphthoyl chloride in DCM was added dropwise over 30 min. After stirring overnight at room temperature, the organic phase was concentrated and purified by column chromatography to afford N-[2-(S)-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)4-hydroxybutyl]-3-cyano-2-methoxy-1-naphthamide. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) d 8.19 (s, 1H), 7.83-7.80 (d, 1H)), 7.66-7.50 (m, 3H), 7.43-7.38 (m, 2H), 7.17-7.14 (dd, 1H), 6.10 (t, 1H), 4.01 (s, 3H), 3.92-3.68 (m, 3H), 3.60-3.52 (m, 1H), 3.23-3.17 (m, 1H), 2.13-2.02 (m, 1H), 1.93-1.82 (m, 1H); MS APCl, m/z=443 (M+).

N-[2-(S)-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)-3-carboxypropyl]-3-cyano-2-methoxy-1-naphthamide To a solution of Jones Reagent (prepare from 2.734 g of CrO₃, 2.3 mL of concentrated H₂SO₄ and 10 mL of water) (13 mL) in acetone (100 mL) was added a solution of N-[2-(S)-(3,4-Di-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxybutyl]-3-cyano-2-methoxy-1-napthamide (7.53 g, 17 mmol) in acetone (100 mL) dropwise at 0° C. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 2 h. Isopropyl alcohol was added until a blue color was persisted. The mixture was stirred 15 min at room temperature and EtOAC/water was added. Combined organic layer was washed with saturated NaCl, dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated, following chromatography purification to give product as a yellow solid (6.99 g, 90%yield). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 8.19 (s, 1H), 7.84-7.81 (d, 1H), 7.65-7.41 (m, 5H), 7.19-7.15 (dd, 1H), 6.15 (t, 1H), 4.00 (t, 3H), 3.93-2H), 3.54-3.45 (m, 1H), 2.94-2.70 (m, 2H). MS (APCI) m/z 479.2 (M+Na).

Ex. R MS HPLC Synthesis 17 —N(Me)CH₂—CH₂OMe 528 14.78^(a) N-(2-methoxyethyl)methylamine (3.7 equiv) 18 —NHC(Me)₂—CH₂OH 528 14.01^(a) 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (3.7 equiv.) 19

527 14.24^(a) Morpholine (3.7 equiv.) 20

522 17.80^(a) 3-aminopyrazole (3.7 equiv.) 21

550  2.06^(b) Histamine (3.7 equiv.) 22

539  3.08^(c) N-methylpiperazine (3.7 equiv.) 23 —N(Me)CH₂—CONH2 527  3.41^(c) N—Me-Gly-NH₂ HCl (3.7 equiv.) 24

563  3.51^(c) H-Ala-NH—Me HCl (3.7 equiv.) 25

542  4.44^(c) Thiomorpholine (3.7 equiv.) 26

647  4.77^(c) tert-butyl-1-piperazinecarboxylate (3.7 equiv.) 27

525  3.00^(c) TFA (20 equiv.) from example 26 28 —NH(Me)—CH₂CONMe₂ 555  3.80^(c) N-methyl-Gly-N(Me)₂ (3.7 equiv.) 29

574  3.94^(c) KHSO5 (49.5% in water) (1.5 equiv.) from example 25 30 —N(Et)CONH_(CH₂)₃NMe₂ 612  3.42^(c) Benzenesulfonamide (3.7 equiv.) 31 —NHNMe₂ 499  2.11^(b) 1,1-dimethylhydrozine (3.7 equiv.) 32

553  1.98^(b)

33 —N(Me)CH₂—CH2OH 514  3.66^(c) MeNHCH₂CH₂OTBDMSi (3.7 equiv.) followed by TBAF (2.4 equiv.) Analytical HPLC conditions employed were the following: ^(a)Analytical HPLC conditions employed were the following: Hewlett Packard HP1100 system using a C8 2.5 × 250 nm column with the gradient 10%-100% Solvent B in 20 min at a flow rate of 1.2 mL/min (Solvent A: 0.1% TFA in water; Solvent B: 0.1% TFA in acetonitrile) using UV detection at 255 nm. ^(b)Analytical HPLC conditions employed were the following: LCMS system using a Zorbax C8 2.2 × 50 mm column with the gradient: 5%-90% Solvent B in 3 min at a flow rate of 1.4 mL/min (Solvent A: 0.05% TFA in water; Solvent B: 90% acetonitrile 10% water 0.05% TFA) using UV detection at 215 nm. ^(c)Hewlett Packard HP1100 system using a Luna C18(2) 4.6 × 75 mm, 3 micron column with the gradient: 20%-90% Solvent B in 6 min at a flow rate of 2 mL/min (Solvent A: 0.1% TFA in water; Solvent B: 0.1% TFA in acetonitrile) using UV detection at 255 nm.

Example 34

Example 34 was prepared by reaction of N-[2-(S)-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-3-carboxy-propyl]-3-cyano-2-methoxy-1-naphthamide with methoxylamine according to the procedure described for Example 3. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 9.10 (s, 1H), 8.18 (s, 1H), 7.82 (d, 1H), 7.61-7.16 (m, 6H), 6.32 (m, 1H), 4.02 (m, 4H), 3.69 (m, 4H), 3.48 (m, 1H), 2.85-2.45 (m, 2H).; MS APCI, m/z=486 (M+). Analysis calculated for C₂₄H₂₁N₃O₄Cl₂ 0.5 H₂O, C, 58.19, H, 4.47, N, 8.48, found C, 58.11, H, 3.97, N, 8.32.

Example 35

Example was prepared by reaction of N-[2-(S)-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-3-carboxypropyl]-2-ethyl-3-methoxy-4-methyl-1-naphthamid with methoxylamine according to the procedure described for Example 3. ¹H, NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 9.43 (s, 1H), 7.89 (d, 1H), 7.46-7.36 (m, 5H), 7.11 (m, 1H), 5.98 (m, 1H), 4.05 (m, 1H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 3.62 (s, 3H), 3.68-3.44 (m, 3H), 2.65-2.40 (m, 3H), 2.56 (s, 3H), 1.18 (m, 3H). ; MS APCI, m/z=503 (M+). Analysis calculated for C₂₆H₂₈N₂O₄Cl₂ 0.6H₂O C, 55.08; H, 5.74; N, 4.01; found C, 55.09; H, 5.78; N, 3.88. 

1. A compound having the formula

wherein: R¹ is —OR⁶, —NR⁶R⁷, —NOC₁₋₄alkyl or —NR⁷NR⁶R⁷; R² is —OR⁶ or C₁₋₁₂alkyl; R³ is H, halogen, —OR⁷ or —CN; R⁴ is H, C₁₋₄alkyl or —OR⁷; R⁵ is H, or C₁₋₆alkyl; R⁶ is independently, at each instance, H, C₁₋₆alkyl-, R⁷OC(═O)C₁₋₆alkyl-, R⁷R⁷NC (═O)C₁₋₆alkyl-, R⁷R⁷NC₁₋₆alkylNR⁷C(═O)-, R^(8—, R) ⁸C₁₋₆alkyl-or —(CH₂)_(m)phenyl, wherein the phenyl is substituted by 1, 2 or three substituents selected from C₁₋₆alkylthio, C₁₋₆alkylsulfinyl, C₁₋₆alkylsulfonyl, trifluoromethylthio, trifluoromethylsulfinyl,C₁₋₆alkanesulfonamido, C₁₋₆alkanoyl, C₁₋₆alkoxy-carbonyl, succinamido, carbamoyl, C₁₋₆alkalcarbamoyl, di-C₁₋₆alkylcarbamoyl, C₁₋₆alkoxy-C₁₋₆alkylcarbamoyl, N-methylcarbamoyl, C₁₋₆alkanoylamino, ureido, C₁₋₆ureido, di-C₁₋₆alkylureido, amino, C₁₋₆alkylamino and di-C₁₋₆alkylamino; R⁷ is independently, at each instance, H, or C₁₋₆alkyl; or R⁵ and R⁷ together are —(CH₂)₂O(CH₂)₂—, —(CH₂)₂S(═O)_(m)(CH₂)₂—, —(CH₂)₂N(CO₂R⁷)(CH₂)₂— or —(CH₂)₂NR⁷(CH₂)₂—; R⁵ is a 5- or 6-membered saturated or unsaturated heterocycle containing 1, 2 or 3 nitrogen atoms and additionally subsituded with 0 or 1 oxo groups; m is independently, at each instance 0, 1 or 2; and X¹ and X² are independently H, —CH₃ or halogen; or any pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.
 2. A compound according to claim 1 wherein X¹ and X² are H, or halogen, and at least one of X¹ and X² are halogen.
 3. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R¹ is —OR⁶.
 4. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R¹ is —NR⁶R⁷.
 5. A compound according to claim 1, wherein: R² is —CH₂CH₃ or —OCH₃ R³ is —CN; and R⁵ is H.
 6. A compound according to claim 1, wherein: R¹ is —OR⁶ or —NR⁶R⁷; R² is —OR⁶ or C₁₋₁₂alkyl; R³ is H, halogen or —CN; R⁴ is H, C₁₋₆alkyl or —OR⁷; R⁵ is H, or C₁₋₆alkyl; R⁶ is independently, at each instance, H, C₁₋₆alkyl, or —(CH₂)_(m)phenyl, wherein the phenyl is substituted by 1, 2 or three substituents selected from C₁₋₆alkylthio, C₁₋₆alkylsulfinyl, C₁₋₆alkylsulfonyl, trifluoromethylthio, trifluoromethylsulfinyl, C₁₋₆alkanesulfonamido, C₁₋₆alkanoyl, C₁₋₆-alkoxy-carbonyl, succinamido, carbamoyl, C₁₋₆alkylcarbamoyl, di-C₁₋₆alkylcarbamoyl, C₁₋₆alkoxy-C₁₋₆alkylcarbamoyl, N-methylcarbamoyl, C₁₋₆alkanoylamino, ureido, C₁₋₆ureido, di-C₁₋₆alkylureido, amino, C₁₋₆alkylamino and di-C₁₋₆alkylamino; R⁷ is H, or C₁₋₆alkyl; m is 0, 1 or 2; and X¹ and X² are independently H, —CH₃ or halogen; or any pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.
 7. A compound according to claim 6 wherein X¹ and X² are H, or halogen, and at least one of X¹ and X² are halogen.
 8. A compound according to claim 7, wherein R¹ is —OR⁶.
 9. A compound according to claim 7, wherein R¹ is —NR⁶R⁷.
 10. A compound according to claim 7, wherein R³ is —CN.
 11. A compound according to claim 7, wherein R⁵ is H.
 12. A compound according to claim 7, wherein R² is —CH₂CH₃ or —OCH₃.
 13. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to claim
 1. 14. A method of treating major depressive disorder, severe anxiety disorders, stress disorders, major depressive disorder with anxiety, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, general or specific craving, substance use disorder, schizophrenic disorders, psychotic disorders, movement disorders, cognitive disorders, depression and/or anxiety, mania or hypomania, aggressive behaviour, obesity, emesis, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, oedema, allergic rhinitis, inflammation, pain, gastrointestinal-hypermotility, Huntington's disease, COPD, hypertension, migraine, bladder hypermotility, or urticaria comprising administering an effective amount of a compound according to claim
 1. 